As we approach Valletta’s last couple of months as European Capital of Culture, there are still plenty of events on the V18 calendar to delight visitors to Malta, young and old.
Here’s just some of the unmissable cultural events across the Maltese islands this November.
The Three Palaces Festival 2018
2 – 12 November
The National Museum of Archaeology, San Anton Palace, Verdala Palace
Presenting the best in classical, modern and jazz music in a unique setting, the Three Palaces Festival is a music festival like no other. Set in Malta’s three Presidential Palaces, the Verdala Palace in Buskett, San Anton Palace in Attard, and the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the historical surroundings serve to enhance the timeless music performed at the festival.
Island Lights
2 – 3 November
Dar Qalb Ta’ Ġesù, Santa Venera
In a weekend aimed at bringing together the cultures of the two distant island nations of Japan and Malta, Island Lights explores the part light plays in Japan’s cultural identity and the lives of its people, while highlighting similarities with Maltese culture and traditions. Featuring several foreign and local artists spanning across various formats and media, this is an exciting and interactive experience for all to enjoy.
The Malta Comic Con 2018
3 – 4 November
Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, Ta’ Qali
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Celebrating virtually anything related to comic culture including comic creators, comic books, books, movies, TV series, table top games, video games, role playing games and cosplaying, Malta Comic Con is an unmissable annual event for comic fans everywhere. Highlights of the two-day event include the opportunity for fans to meet professional and independent creators both from Malta and abroad, as well as the numerous workshops, discussion panels, talks and focus groups for the potential comic artists of the future.
Modern Music Days – String Quartets
4 November
Żejtun Crypt, Żejtun Parish Church
In the unique underground venue of Żejtun crypt, which will still be decorated in black damask and candles following All Souls’ Day, Modern Music Days will perform this live programme of 20th century contemporary string quartets by Philip Glass, Alfred Schnitke, John Adams and Norma Beecroft.
Malta Book Festival 2018
7 – 11 November
Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
The most important book-related event on the Maltese calendar, the annual Malta Book Festival every year welcomes 30,000 visitors and more than 40 exhibitors. With a cultural programme that features over 50 events including book launches, book presentations, poetry readings, meetings with authors, conferences and seminars, the festival celebrates everything in the culture of books, from author, to page, to reader.
Military Mtarfa 2018
11 November
Mtarfa
Timed to coincide with Armistice Day, and this year the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany, Military Mtarfa is the annual commemoration of British rule in the Maltese islands. The 2018 event will start with a visit to the Mtarfa Military Cemetery to remember the fallen during the First and Second World Wars with the laying of a wreath and a salute by the local Scout Group, followed by a convoy of at least 20 military vehicles. The main event then features re-enactors performing various drills, battle simulations, and skirmishes between British and German forces, alongside a WW2 field hospital, field kitchen and typical Victory kitchen.
ŻiguŻajg 2018 – International Arts Festival for Children and Young People
16 – 25 November
Various locations around Malta and Gozo
The ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People is a massively popular annual event that provides a platform for the best in local and international professional creative arts events designed for a young audience. This inclusive and accessible festival offers a first experience of live performance to young children as well as interactive and thought-provoking pieces that highlight issues affecting the world’s youth of today.
MPO Valletta 2018 International Tour – Malta
24 November
Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
Presented in collaboration with the European Foundation for Support of Culture, Malta’s legendary philharmonic orchestra starts its international tour with a unique performance in Malta conducted by Sergey Smbatyan and featuring pianist Ingolf Wunder. Apart from this performance in Malta, the MPO Valletta 2018 International tour will also travel to Philadelphia, North Bethesda, New York, Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
